021: The Three Things Successful Startups Need to Grow with Blake Modersitzki

Venture Capitalist Blake Modersitzki is passionate about growing companies — specifically early-stage software startups. His firm, Pelion Venture Partners, sifts through about 1000 business plans annually to choose 5-7 companies in which to invest, and Blake enjoys every moment of the job.

He has some fantastics insights to share on the value of data, what an entrepreneur really needs to have in order to succeed, and what VCs look for when they want to fund businesses. He also shares what he sees as hot fields right now.

And, Insiders, we have an amazing opportunity for one of you. Yes, one lucky Insider will win a private pitch session with Blake, via Skype. So if you have a startup — or a killer idea — this is your chance to get the funding you need. To enter, just click here and follow the instructions.

UPDATE: This contest has ended. Congratulations to our lucky winner, Pranchil Israni!

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL HEAR:

• How @Blake ended up with an $11M computer bag.
• What Blake thinks about big data. #BigData
• The three things Blake looks for when evaluating a potential investment. #Disruptive
• Why C-level titles can sometimes be a warning sign for investors.
• The basis of a great venture partnership, and what @Pelion tries to provide for companies in which they invest.
• What the best entrepreneurs understand.
• Blake’s take on growth teams, and how he views the intersection of growth and marketing. #Growth
• What you absolutely must have to be a successful entrepreneur.
• The best growth tip Blake ever received. #GrowthTips

Links and Resources

• Peilon Venture Partners, Blake’  nnns firm, with one of the greatest About Us pages in the history of the internet.
• FusionIO, a company Blake invested in that has since been acquired by Sandisk.

Insiders, I am so excited to give one of you the opportunity to pitch Blake with your own business idea!

UPDATE: This contest has ended. Stay tuned for more great giveaways, contests, and other fun things on future episodes!

Got two minutes? Feel free to rate and review the podcast on iTunes – it really helps me out, and I’m very grateful for your support. I take your comments seriously, and I can’t wait to show you everything that’s in store for the second season of the show, coming up very soon!

Have something to tell me? A burning question about growth? You can reach me on Twitter or Facebook.

That’s a wrap, Insiders – I’ll catch you next week!

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